IP17 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP26, it pairs solid level 2 with liquid level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP26 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 and IP26 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.